{image1}Fantasy versus reality. What's real, what's imagined? This conflict is no new concept for fiction or for film, but those are the underlying questions in "Swimming Pool," a film -- directed by Francois Ozon and written by Emmanuele Bernheim and Ozon -- about a staid English novelist who comes face to face with lustful and wild youth.
Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling) is the middle-aged author of a successful series of urbane English mystery novels. She's recognized by fans on the London Underground and is doing quite well, but is clearly unhappy. When her publisher John Bosload (Charles Dance) sees her self-doubt and -- probably most alarming for him -- her writer's block, he offers up his country house in France as a retreat.
Morton leaves her elderly dad and ends up in a beautful brick place in France, with a helper, Marcel (Marc Favolle) and a cute small town nearby. She begins to sink into the comforting atmosphere -- although it's not clear that she's making much progress on her next book -- until Bosload's daughter shows up unannounced.
Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) is sexy and sassy and living the spirited, unchained life of a young girl, free at summertime. Of course, Julie's unbridled lifestyle conflicts not only with Sarah's attempts to write, but also is an affront to her stiff, matronly attitude.
But soon, of course, Julie and Sarah find common ground and their relationship is cemented with a particular act that comes later in the film. Julie tells Sarah of how John Bosload -- whom Sarah clearly loves, apparently unrequitedly -- deserted her and her mother and this alters some of Sarah's long-held opinions.
But will Sara be able to write her book and write a happy future for herself? Will Julie be able to get herself and her life together? Will the two of them remain friends?
These are interesting plot questions, but it's perhaps even more important to ask whether or not the film relies too heavily on stilted dialogue, beautiful cinematography (of a beautiful young actress, specifically) and a fairly common plot device.
"Swimming Pool" isn't built on any brilliant cinematic ideas, but it is dramatic, sunnily engrossing and enjoyable to watch. If you're looking for an amazing script, look elsewhere. If 90 minutes of mystery and French sunshine, see "Swimming Pool."
"Swimming Pool" opens Fri., July 18 at Landmark's Oriental Theatre.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
